Even Icicles Change

During a recent winter storm, my daughter called out to me from her room to see something. When I walked in, she had a big smile on her face and was pointing to beautiful icicles that had formed on the rhododendron outside her window.  They glistened in the light with an aura of wonder. We stopped to enjoy nature’s display.

I kept thinking about the image of the icicles. They were frozen and still. Sometimes we feel that way. We get stuck where we are. We aren’t sure which direction to move. We might even be afraid of change. So we wait. We stop. We freeze.

Then something happens. A light bulb goes off. We feel a little bit brave. We get uncomfortable just waiting. We feel inspired. We make the choice to take a tiny step forward. We’re like the icicle that slowly melts as the sun shines on us. First, there’s one drip, then another. Before you know it, the icicle is gone and the branch is free to sway in the breeze. We are unencumbered by fear, indecision and procrastination. We are not just a bystander of change; we are actually seeking out and directing it.

Last month I took time to think about fresh starts and what shape I wanted the New Year to take. I thought about and prioritized my goals. I slowly began putting ideas into action. This month, I’m focused on pursuing the changes that I seek.

The winter is in full force with its many icicles and ever growing mounds of snow. Even so, I feel more like those melted droplets of water that changed from a state of stillness and contemplation to action.

What changes are you in the midst of right now?